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Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile - PLUS Interview Esme Hough
Fiery Angel will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic Death On The Nile to the stage, following sell-out tours of And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express. Death on the Nile reunites writer Ken Ludwig, director Lucy Bailey (Witness for the Prosecution) and producers Fiery Angel for the European premiere of a new adaptation of the globally celebrated Agatha Christie story.
SImon Tuck Interviewed Esme Hough and reviewed the show
Last Nights Review
The high expectations for the new stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile at the MK Theatre were understandable. After all, where Hercule Poirot goes, death is never far behind.
This production starts unconventionally, with the cast gathering in a London setting around an Egyptian casket destined for its final farewell. This sequence cleverly introduces the characters before they transition to the iconic, sun-drenched setting of the Nile cruise itself. The plot thickens relentlessly as each character contributes to unwinding the complex tapestry of clues and red herrings that Christie so masterfully weaves.
Mark Hadfield starred as the famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. While his characterization sometimes felt a little hesitant or 'lost' in the initial acts, Hadfield ultimately led the audience confidently to the truth. His performance was greatly complemented by the witty and playful banter he shared with Bob Barrett as Poirot’s trusted companion, Colonel Race, providing necessary moments of levity throughout the investigation.
Notable performances from Esme Hough playing Jacqueline de Bellefort and Glynis Barber playing Salome Otterbourne with Terence Wilton playing Septimus Troy.
One minor disappointment lay in the staging itself. I had hoped for the same dynamic sense of claustrophobic energy found in other adaptations, such as the confined train in Murder on the Orient Express. However, the steamboat set, despite its intriguing doors and cubby holes, often felt strangely static, failing to fully convey the atmosphere and movement of a luxury river journey.
The ultimate satisfaction, as always, lies in the iconic climax and the satisfying reveal of 'who did it' amidst the confusion. This moment was executed well, providing all the theatrical drama and satisfying the purists—the outcome remains faithfully unchanged from the book and film versions. For any dedicated Christie fan, this production offers an enjoyable evening and is highly recommended.
On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a brutal murder. As secrets that have been buried in the sands of time finally resurface, can the world-famous detective, Hercule Poirot, untangle the web of lies and solve another crime?
Mark Hadfield (Belfast; Outlander; Wallander) will star as Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. Joining him will be Glynis Barber (Dempsey and Makepeace; EastEnders) as Salome Otterbourne and Bob Barrett (Murder on the Orient Express; Holby City) as Poirot’s trusted friend, Colonel Race.
This is Lucy’s fifth Agatha Christie play since staging Witness for the Prosecution, still performing at London’s County Hall, and her second Poirot. “I’m delighted to be following Murder on The Orient Express with another of Poirot’s most famous cases, Death on the Nile. It takes place in the midsummer heat of Egypt and is one of Agatha Christie’s most passion-driven thrillers. A group of holiday makers attracted by the ancient beauty of the Nile find themselves in a living nightmare of jealousy and revenge. Trapped on board a pleasure steamer and adrift on the Nile, it’s a voyage into the heart of darkness”.
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